Quantifying the influence of microstructure on the corrosion of Mg-Li alloys by using X-ray CT

The microstructure of multi-component Mg-Li alloys played a decisive role in their corrosion properties due to the potential differences between the matrix and the secondary phases. In this study, the effects of secondary phases (AlLi, AlX(Gd, Y, Mn), and Mg₂Sn) on the corrosion behavior of Mg-Li alloys have been quantified by using in situ X-ray CT. The microstructure-property correlation was established between the type, morphology, distribution, and dimensions of the secondary phases and the microscopic corrosion behavior. The corrosion parameters, such as average equivalent diameter, distance, number density, and volume fraction of the secondary phases and corrosion pits, were quantified as a function of corrosion time. The dominating secondary phase was identified by combining SKPFM analysis and electrochemical testing, giving quantitative information on corrosion control by designing secondary phases.